Latino Owned and Operated Businesses
This page aims to support locally owned Latino businesses. Too, as a directory, it provides ideas about where to distribute flyers and other materials about initiatives aimed at Latinos and where to offer health and other outreach services to the Latino community. Also see the Media section which includes Forward-Adelante (magazine) and Nuevas Raíces (newspaper). Please contact us to add new businesses or to update information: cj.cville@gmail.com
BAKERIES
Las Palmas
This Mexican Bakery sells on premises and delivers to Mexican groceries and restaurants. Those with a sweet tooth who are not accustomed to Mexican pastries and cakes may find the products a bit bland; Mexicans love them.
Location: 156 Carlton Rd, behind Beer Run
Contact: 434-244-2648
THRIFT STORES
Thirft Connection
The store is operated by Iglesia Revoluzion (formerly Casa del Padre church); proceeds go to projects helping women in crisis and orphans in Bolivia and Nicaragua.
Location: 155 Carlton Rd behind Beer Run.
Hours: Tues-Fri. 12-6 pm, Sundays from 2-3:30 pm
Website: http://www.thethriftconnection.com/
Contact: hazaelgaray@gmail.com
Hazael Garay, Thrift Connection Manager and Pastor of Iglesia Revoluzion was featured as CBS19’s Stephanie Satchell Hero of the week in April, 2011. View the video at: http://www.newsplex.com/video?clipID=5809585&autoStart=true&contentID=121117654
DANCE & EXERCISE
Flamenco Dancers for HireLouis and Juanita Gallardo are seasoned flamenco dancers who offer classes and who may be hired to perform in restaurants, at festivals, parties and for other occasions. gallardoliu@hotmail.com.
Zumba Fitness
Puerto Rican Chris Breland provides a fun way to relieve stress, stretch, and exercise by combining Latin dance and music. Classes are only $5 and beginners are welcomed! Location: The Laughing Dragon Kung Fu Studio, 3006 Berkmar Drive (Heading N on 29 make a left at Rio Rd-another left at Berkmar Dr-on the left you will see Berkmar ParK)
Hours: Sundays from 4-5 pm
Contact: christinebreland@gmail.com
GROCERY STORES
These stores sell groceries and other products from Latin America, telephone cards, shipping services and other necessities used by area Latinos.
El Pollo Loco
Mexican store selling food, clothes, music, and other items from Mexico, offering money transfers and a restaurant in the back of the store.
Location: 1417 Emmet St
Contact: 434-295-9671
Guadalupana
The store, owned by Guatemalan Jaime Reyes, specializes in Mexican food, soccer team merchandise, piñatas, sweets from Central America, and religious items. The store also provides a mail service to expedite remittances from Latinos to their loved ones in Latin America.
Location: 221 Carlton Rd
Contact: 434-977-5556
La Chata
Mexican store selling food, clothes, music, and other merchandise from Mexico.
Location: 380 Greenbrier Dr
Contact: 434- 975-0023
Mercado World Owned by Salvadorans, the store sells fresh fruit and vegetables and other products from Central America, telephone cards, food prepared daily by Salvadoran women, and also offers shipping services and quick and inexpensive money transfers.
Location: 900 Gardens Blvd
Contact: 434- 978-1553
El Tio
Mexican store selling food and other merchandise mostly from Mexico.
Location: 259 Ridge McIntire Road (behind Staples, downtown)
Contact: 434-295-0024
RESTAURANTS – MEXICAN
The diversity of the area’s Mexican population is reflected in the different cuisines and ambiences of the following restaurants. Also, some of the most authentic food can be found in Latin American grocery stores (see above).
Aquí es Mexico
Location: 221 Carlton Rd
Contact: 434-295-4748
El Dorado
Location: 946 Grady Ave.
Contact: 434-293-3915
El Puerto
Locations: 2045 Barracks Rd. (434-872-9488), 1863 Seminole Trail (434-872-9488)
Contact: 434-872-9488
El Tapatio
Location: 1305 Long St
Contact: 434-293-6071
Guadalajara
Locations: 2206 Fontaine Ave (434-979-2424), 395 Greenbrier Dr (434-978-4313), 805 East Market St (434-977-2676), Pantops (434-293-3538)
La Michoacana
While it operates a small store in front, Michoacana is best known as a restaurant.
Location: 1138 E. High St
Contact: 434-409-9941
El Jaripeo
Many feel the drive out to Forest Lakes is worth the trip, not only for the food but for the Mariachi band.
Location: 1750 Timberwood Blvd (Forest Lakes Shopping Center next to Tuesday Mornings)
Contact: 434-296-9300 or http://www.eljaripeova.com/
RESTAURANTS – OTHER
Cazon Tropical
Dominican, Salvadoran & Honduran Cuisine
Location: 1871 Seminole Trail
Contact: 434-293-1119